While the surprise of the announcement may have been spoiled, Ubisoft debuted its new Mario + Rabbids strategy game as part of its E3 2021 presentation. Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope is a Nintendo Switch-exclusive sequel to the popular Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle from 2017. The new game will build on the old one with new characters like Rabbid Rosalina, a frightening boss named Cursa, and some larger changes.

To start, Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope is expanding beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, which means a much bigger opportunity for creativity. The game will still deliver plenty of Mario-related references, like the aforementioned Rabbid Rosalina, but also some new ideas. For example, Mario fans are familiar with Lumas, but Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope will introduce Sparks: Lumas fused with Rabbids.

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Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope will also be making major gameplay changes. In Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, all attacks were based on a grid structure. In Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope the grid is gone, with free movement and attack ranges determined by range and radius. It's an exciting new strategy game combat system that has the potential to increase challenge and fun.

There's plenty left for Ubisoft to share about Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope, and Ubisoft is giving itself plenty of time to do it. Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope releases in 2022, so expect more information in the months to come.

Mario + Rabbids Spark of Hope releases on Switch in 2022.

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